Disc replacement method and apparatus

Abstract

A method for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc. The method is achieved by removing the nucleus pulposus from the intervertebral disc to create a space defined by an inner wall of a annulus fibrosis. A flexible prosthetic disc is then inserted within the space formerly occupied by the nucleus pulposus and the prosthetic disc is subsequently filled with a gel.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, comprising the steps of: removing the nucleus pulposus from the intervertebral disc to create a space defined by an inner wall of an annulus fibrosis, wherein a hole is created in the intervertebral disc upon the removal of the nucleus pulposus;   introducing a flexible prosthetic disc within the space formerly occupied by the nucleus pulposus, wherein the flexible prosthetic disc includes an elastic flexible ring, an upper membrane secured to an upper edge of the flexible ring and a lower membrane secured to a lower edge of the flexible ring to define a cylindrical space, such that the prosthetic disc expands as a result of the flexible ring to fill the space defined by the inner wall of the annulus fibrosis;   positioning a syringe filled with a gel through the hole within the intervertebral disc and into the cylindrical space defined by the prosthetic disc; and   filling the prosthetic disc with the gel by forcing the gel from within the syringe.   
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the nucleus pulposus is removed through a hole created in the annulus fibrosis, and the prosthetic disc is introduced through the hole. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the prosthetic disc includes an outer wall having a hole through which the gel is introduced. 
     
     
       4. The method according to claim 3, including the further step of aligning the hole within the outer wall of the prosthetic disc with the hole formed in the annulus fibrosis so that the gel may be introduced into the prosthetic disc. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gel is introduced through the upper membrane. 
     
     
       6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gel is introduced through the lower membrane.